Another step towards more inclusive education: MDS launches Te Reo Māori bilingual prep course

In a rapidly evolving digital world, the need for foundational digital literacy has never been greater. Recognising this, the faculty of the Digital Creativity Foundation (DCF) programme at Media Design School designed a course to equip incoming students with essential digital skills and ease their transition into the programme. The result was a course designed to enhance students' digital capabilities and alleviate the anxiety often associated with entering a new academic environment. 

“By giving our students a better understanding of the programme and fostering a sense of familiarity before their first class, the course aimed to make the transition smoother,” explained Bonnie Kea, Digital Creativity Foundation Programme Coordinator at Media Design School.  

With the support of external funding secured from the Tertiary Education Commission's Strategic Fund, the DCF-Prep course underwent significant refinement. The online orientation was expanded to include media-rich content, developed in collaboration with the Product Innovation team.  

“This evolution transformed the course into a comprehensive resource that prepares students for success before they even step foot in the classroom,” said Bonnie. 

The DCF bilingual prep course has already been recognised as a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and representative learning environment and is set to officially launch to new students in 2025. 

The Translation Process: A Collaborative Journey  

MDS has been steadfast in its commitment to integrating Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) into its curriculum. The decision to translate the DCF-Prep course into Te Reo Māori, alongside English, was a deliberate and meaningful step towards this goal. Bonnie saw the potential for this course to be a pilot project for a bilingual initiative, making it an ideal candidate due to its manageable scope. 

“It was truly a team effort to bring this vision to life!” said Bonnie.  

The translation project brought together a diverse group of contributors, including faculty from the DCF Department, the Product Innovation Team, Learning Experience Designers, OLE Designers, reviewers, and Māori language experts from Puāwai Pōhutukawa, led by Bronwyn Williams.  

This collaborative effort ensured that the course not only met educational standards but also respected and honoured the linguistic and cultural significance of Te Reo Māori. 

The translation process was a thoughtful and inclusive journey, beginning with korero (conversations) with Bronwyn Williams from Puāwai Pōhutukawa. These discussions focused on aligning the project’s kaupapa (principles) with the recognition of Te Reo Māori as the first and official language of Aotearoa, New Zealand. As the team initially considered the hierarchy of languages, they discussed starting with Te Reo Māori but ultimately adopted an approach to ensure inclusivity for all students especially for those unfamiliar with the language.  

Bronwyn draws inspiration from the resilience and dedication of the ancestors in preserving and revitalising mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori, to save a language and a culture that holds immense wisdom and knowledge.

“By incorporating Te Reo Māori into various aspects of society, from education to publications, we create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all New Zealanders,” said Bronwyn. “It is encouraging that these traditions continue to thrive and are embraced by a wider audience beyond just the Māori community.”

The collaboration extended to the Product Innovation team, which helped navigate the technical aspects of the school’s MyLearn application to accommodate the needs of both Māori and non-Māori students. The translation process involved continuous sharing of content, followed by reviews, edits, and corrections, ensuring that the final product was both accurate and culturally respectful. 

“This course creates a platform that embraces the language and provides a space for Māori students to see their language represented,” said Bonnie. “This is key to helping them feel connected to Media Design School and recognising that their identity is valued.” 

The impact of bilingual content on students 

By incorporating Te Reo Māori, the course fosters a sense of belonging among Māori and Pasifika students, allowing them to see their language and identity represented within the academic setting. 

The course provides an opportunity for students to engage with the language and build awareness through an approach that makes the content accessible to all students. It’s designed to be accessible to those who are interested in the language but not necessarily fluent, whether they are Māori or non-Māori. 

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Wāitangi  

The inclusion of Te Reo Māori in the MDS Bilingual Course is not just an educational decision; it reflects Media Design School’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Wāitangi.  

The course embodies the principles of Partnership, Protection, and Participation: 

• Partnership:  Engaging with Māori with a clear objective aligned with meeting our obligations to Te Tiriti o Wāitangi. 

• Protection:  Respectfully and meaningfully including Te Reo Māori, supporting the preservation and revival of the language and culture, acknowledging that language is deeply connected to culture, and honouring Indigenous traditions of oratory and storytelling. 

• Participation:  Involving Te Reo Māori experts throughout the process from start to finish, with ongoing consultation and reviews. 

As Media Design School continues to innovate and evolve, its bilingual course stands as a testament to the institution’s dedication to creating an educational environment that honours and respects the diverse cultural heritage of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

“Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and integrating te reo into our daily lives is a significant step towards embracing the cultural richness of Aotearoa,” said Bronwyn. “It acknowledges the Indigenous language and also fosters a deeper understanding of the principles and values enshrined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

This course is more than just a learning tool; it is a bridge that connects students to their roots, fostering a deeper sense of identity and belonging.